72% of Australians Support Same-Sex Marriage

Gay couple Andrew Wale (R) and Neil Allard. April 11 is The National Day of Silence celebrated to create awareness about the effect that bullying on basis of sexuality and gender expressions, brings to its victims (Photo: Reuters)
Reuters

More Australians are being open to accept different forms of marriage aside from the traditional male-female relationship. Results of the survey made by Crosby Textor, the national pollster for Prime Minister Tony Abbott's Liberal Party, said 72 per cent of 1,000 Aussies polled support marriage equality or recognising same-sex marriages.

Of that percentage, more than half strongly support the move, which Mr Abbott disagrees with based on his personal beliefs. As head of the Coalition, the PM has consistently refused a conscience vote on the issue despite his having a lesbian sister who is in a relationship with another woman.

Ten years ago, another research group, Newspoll, conducted a similar survey and found at that time, support for same-sex marriage was only 38 per cent.

"With Australians across all key demographics supporting marriage equality in record numbers, it's fair to say the public has made up its mind. The community debate is over, and it's time for politicians to act," said Rodney Croome, Australia Marriage Equality director.

On Monday, New Liberal Democratic Senator David Leyonhjelm said he plans to bring a private member's bill to redefine Australia's Marriage Act, which Parliament rejected on a 98 to 42 vote then because of Mr Abbott's stand not to allow Coalition MPs to vote according to their conscience.

The survey said 77 per cent of the participants want a conscience vote on the issue among MPs.